Yanga plan for battle of Hawassa

Yanga plan for battle of Hawassa

Tanzania giants Young Africans are hopeful of returning unscathed from their trip to Hawassa, when they play as guests of surprise packets, Wolaitta Dicha of Ethiopia on Wednesday, 18 April 2018.

‘Yanga’ as they are affectionately called travelled to Hawassa last ahead of the second leg 2nd 1/16th clash against the Ethiopian debutants.

The Tanzania champions won the first leg 2-0 in Dar es Salaam a fortnight ago, courtesy goals from Raphael Daud and Emmanuel Martins goals. But they need to play well to survive against Dicha, famous for knocking out five-time African champions, Zamalek of Egypt.

Yanga has been left in some form of disarray following unexpected departure of head coach, George Lwandamina, after the first leg victory. Lwandamina has since re-joined his former club, Zesco United in his native Zambia.

Despite this, Shadrack Nsajigwa, now caretaker trainer believes his charges can survive in Hawassa in the wake of the blow by the sudden departure of Lwandamina.

“Lwandamina was like a father in the house, his departure is shocking. But we will fight and use our chances to do better in the CAF Confederation cup and the domestic league,” Nsajigwa said.

“It’s not over yet, we need to play well away. We will defend what we have and look for the chance to score more goals to minimize pressure on us,” he said.

On the other hand, Yanga midfielder, Papy Tshishimbi, insists there is depth in the Yanga squad to return from Hawassa with some piece of good news.

“It is a tough game but we have a good team for the test ahead. The only challenge for us is the striking force. Our team needs few new faces if we qualify for the group stage,” he said.

“We need to reach the group stage. It will be a tough game ahead but we will work hard to get good results that will take us through.

“It is a do or die affair. Dicha is a good team but we will fight to avoid defeat and progress to the group stage,” Yanga captain said.